English Only, Part 2—No-Hassle Implementation

Have you reviewed the obstacles and decided to require employees to speak English at work? Here are some tips for implementing such policies taken from BLR’s popular policy program—the “Red Book.”

Explain the rule. Meet with employees to explain the policy requirements, the reasons for the policy, and the consequences of violating the policy.

Give adequate notice. Give employees reasonable advance notice–in English and in their native language–before enforcing a newly established English-only rule.

Consider a grace period. Many employers allow a grace period before disciplining employees under a new policy. It is often very difficult to change language habits; therefore, employees may inadvertently violate the rule when it is first enacted.

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English Only–Si. Yes, you can have an English-only policy, without discriminating. It’s all laid out in a new March 25 audio conference. Satisfaction is ensured. Click for info

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Focus on on-duty time. Limit the English-only policy to times when it is justified by a business necessity–i.e., do not prohibit native language communications during breaks or meal periods.

Be consistent. Enforce your rule consistently and fairly; e.g., don’t allow some employees and not others to speak in their native language.

As we’ve seen, English-only policies are needed by more and more organizations, but setting them up presents significant legal challenges. Where can you get good guidance on this critical issue?

Our editors recommend the 90-minute audio conference on March 25 that will do two things:

First, our experts—two experienced employment law attorneys—will give you detailed explanations of the legal issues and the practical challenges, plus tools for deciding what the elements of your policy should be.

Second, you will have an opportunity to ask the experts your questions about your workforce, your work requirements, and your employees’ languages.

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Baffled by employees’ languages? Wish everyone spoke perfect English? Those days are gone. Find out what to do in the March 25 audio conference: English-Only Policy Perks and Pitfalls: How to Craft a Policy That Works for You – And Avoid Legal Risks. Can’t attend? Preorder the CD. Click for details

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The date is Tuesday, March 25, 2008. The time: 1:30 to 3 p.m. (Eastern Time—adjust for your time zone.) As with all BLR audio conferences, one fee trains all the staff you can fit around a conference phone, and you can get your specific phoned-in or e-mailed questions answered in the extensive Q&A that follows the presentation. What’s more, your satisfaction is ensured or you get a full refund.

Can’t attend on that date? Preorder the conference CD. For more information on the conference and the experts presenting it, to register, or to preorder the CD, click here